The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently chose Red Wing, Minnesota as one of the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Less an hour southeast of St. Paul, Red Wing has a population of 16,000 people. The city, which is nestled in the Mississippi River Valley, is full of small-town charm and it’s an excellent place to invest in Minnesota-made art and products. The stunning landscape also makes Red Wing a great location for year-round outdoor recreation from skiing and bird watching to sailing and rock climbing.
BUSINESSES
Anderson Center
Red Wing, MN
651-388-2009
andersoncenter.org
The Anderson Center offers two to four week retreats for artists, writers, and scholars.
Cannon Valley Trail
Cannon Falls, MN
507-263-0508
cannonvalleytrail.com
The Cannon Valley Trail runs almost 20 miles from Red Wing to Cannon Falls and attracts close to 100,000 people each year. The Trail features natural and cultural resources, rest areas, hiking, biking, inline skating and cross-country skiing.
Hobgoblin Music and Stoney End Harps
Red Wing, MN
877-866-3936
stoneyend.com
hobgoblin-usa.com
The store sells Celtic instruments and music. They occasionally have live music performances in the Music Loft. Call for dates and times.
Red Wing Pottery and Shops
Red Wing, MN
800-228-0174
redwingpottery.com
Since its opening in 1865, Red Wing Pottery has remained world famous for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Red Wing Shoe Store
Red Wing, MN,
800-733-9464
redwingshoe.com
The Red Wing Shoe Store carries shoes made in the area.
Red Wing Stoneware Company
Red Wing, MN,
800-352-4877
redwingstoneware.com
Red Wing Stoneware Company is the “first name in Red Wing pottery.” They carry handcrafted, functional, and quality stoneware.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Goodhue County Historical Society
Red Wing, MN
651-388-6024
goodhuehistory.mus.mn.us
The Goodhue County Historical society works to preserve, protect, and collect materials related to the natural and cultural history of Goodhue County.
Red Wing Arts Association and Gallery
Red Wing, MN,
651-388-7569
redwingartsassociation.org
The Red Wing Arts Association participates in several festivals year round and has a gallery with local and public art.
Red Wing Collectors Society
Red Wing, MN,
800-977-7927
RedWingCollectors.org
The Red Wing Collectors Society hosts events and has a gallery with early examples of Red Wing pottery.
Red Wing Environmental Learning Center
Red Wing, MN
651-388-7339
redwingelc.org
The Red Wing Environmental Learning Center is a non-profit that works to build environmental awareness and appreciation.
Red Wing Pottery Museum
Red Wing, MN,
rwcsfoundation.org
The Red Wing Pottery Museum displays examples of pottery made in Red Wing, complete with collections of stoneware, dinnerware and art. The museum is free and open daily.
Sheldon Theatre
Red Wing, MN,
800-899-5759
sheldontheatre.org
The Sheldon Theatre houses a variety of shows throughout the year. More information on shows and ticket sales are available on the website. Group tours of the theatre are available by appointment.
FOOD
Red Wing Farmer’s Market
Red Wing, MNÂ
redwingfarmersmarket.com
The farmer’s market runs from mid-May to mid-October seven days a week with live music on Saturday mornings.
Simple Abundance
Red Wing, MN,
651-388-0333
simpleabundanceredwing.com
Simple Abundance is a local health food store that supplies local buffalo meat, organic free-range chicken and eggs, organic produce, and more.
EVENTS
Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau
Red Wing, MN
651-385-5934
redwing.org
Redwing hosts many events throughout the year, including the popular Fall Festival of the Arts. For more information on events visit the “Events” section of the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau website.
MAPS
Green Routes
Minneapolis, MN 55406
866-378-0587
greenroutes.org
Green Routes maps will help you discover small, unique businesses that are rooted in their communities throughout Minnesota; places to eat where the food is not only fresh from a family farm, but where you might bump into the farmers who grew it; places to have fun while helping to ensure that our natural and cultural resources will be around for many generations to come. Green Routes gives you a way to incorporate your values into your travels.
*NOTE: The organizations and businesses on this page were chosen by the author and are not necessarily endorsed by Do It Green! Minnesota.